Mercurial outfielder made impact in Game 1

3:55 AM,
Oct. 8, 2012

Jay Bruce smiles during batting practice in advance of Sunday's Game 2 in San Francisco.

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SAN FRANCISCO -- Overlooked somewhat in Game One of the National League Division Series here was Jay Bruce, whose fourth-inning homer sailed into Barry Bonds country, 432 feet away. Bruce also doubled down the right-field line and scorched a line-out to center.

He wasn't quite as impactful in Game Two on Sunday night - 1-for-5, a double down the right-field line again -- but it was enough to make one wonder what Bruce might do if the Reds' postseason goes deep. He has both the capability and track record to be hot or cold for the entire length of the postseason, even if the Reds were to go to as far as ...